The Liberal Arts and the Renewal of Western CivilizationDescription:#liberalarts, #Western_civilization, #Classical_EducationHave you ever heard of the liberal arts? Maybe when you were applying for college? But you probably don't know that the liberal arts are at the heart of western civilization? In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr.…

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was a leading churchman and one of the greatest Catholic theologians of the 20th century. In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli leads us on a guided tour of Ratzinger's classic text, Introduction to Christianity. In this discussion, we explore the problems of presenting Christian faith in the cont…

We live in interesting times --- for better or worse. Confusion and anxiety are the hallmarks of the age. In this episode, our contributors discuss and critique the key cultural, political, and philosophical developments of 2023. The discussion covers divergent views on natalism, the sexula revolution, political power, the decline of liberalism, an…

Dr. Bulzacchelli speaks with canonist Tyler Ross about the matrimony in the Catholic Church today from the perspective of canon law. Topics include:AnnulmentMixed marriagesImpediments and Defects in attempted marriagesJason Gale

Are you confused and frustrated by current cultural trends? You are in good company. America and Europe are experiencing an unprecedented period of self-destruction. What is going on!? This episode is wide-ranging romp through the philosophical flotsam of our current cultural crisis. And we are featuring a new guest: Mr. Whit Smith --- entrepreneur…

Famously Aristotle claims that being ("reality") is primarily said of substance and claims that substance is the basic, foundational, unity of reality. In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Mr. Grossheim (Ph.D. student in Philosophy) explain how substance is discovered through a methodical analysis of change, which culminates…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith explores the connection between God and politics in the thought of Thomas Aquinas. Specifically, Smith explains the hierarchical connect of God to natural law and law to God. This connection lays the basis for a naturalistic, theistic politics that is also consistent with divine law. If you a…

Catholics rightly hold out their own Catholic Intellectual Tradition as an alternative to contemporary errors and aberrations. But just what is the Catholic Intellectual Tradition? What distinguishes it as a specific way of thinking about the world and man? Does it consistent primarily in learning a particular content, or is it a method? Dr. Bulzac…

Many Catholics feel like they are constantly under siege from a hostile culture. We seem to lurch from one crisis or controversy to another. Even worse, local churches seem to be in permanent decline. What are the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual reasons for the current state of the church? How should we respond? Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli leads a discussion on the intersection of globalism, nationalism, and Catholic faith. This conversation was occasioned by Pope Francis's recent remarks on the subject. His Holiness suggested that Catholics should affirm both roots and bridges. What should Catholics do to affirm nationa…

In modern political discourse, authoritarianism is often denounced but rarely defined or understood. In this exploratory discussion, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli consider the meaning and possible legitimacy of authoritarianism. The discussion focuses on ideas taken from Plato, including the paradoxical claim that doing whatever you feel like is n…

A recent study published by the Wall Street Journal and the University of Chicago found that traditional American values are in steep decline. Specifically, Americans were found to value patriotism, children, and religion to a far lesser degree than previous generations. In fact, the only value that has increased is the putative importance of money…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli interviews Dr. Smith about his recent edition of Logosletter entitled, "Should we Desire Riches: The Forgotten Vice of Greed." This is a wide-ranging and detailed discussion that covers the meaning of ownership, the foundations of private property, and the spiritual effects of a disord…

This week, Dr. Smith interviews special guest, Joan Watson, about the Chosen. In recent years, Joan has become a well known speaker and writer and much of her work directly interacts with the smash tv series The Chosen. If you want to engage the Chosen from a Catholic and Biblical perspective, you are going to love this episode. We discuss criticis…

Why do conservatives revile higher education? Is there any way for conservatives and higher education to reconcile? In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith addresses the open hostility between conservatives and higher education. He discusses conservative anti-intellectual attitudes, the "woke left," and the nature of higher educati…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith interviews special guest Mr. Phillip Berns, ABD graduate student at the Center for Thomistic Studies. Mr. Berns' research focuses on the intersection of economics and Aristotelian philosophy. This is a serious exploration of the nature of economics, the scientific character of economic theory…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli explores the historical origins and major theological themes of Advent and Christmas. The discussion centers on the development of the liturgy and the ways in which these liturgical seasons help us to encounter Christ. The discussion concludes with suggestions for better ways to celebr…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith explores the modes of thought that have led us to our contemporary crisis in culture and elucidates five Thomistic principles for recovering an authentic sense of reality. Dr. Smith discusses the reliability of human reason, the errors of postmodernism, and the proper understanding of nature.…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the recent US elections using the political categories developed by Aristotle, including aristocracy, oligarchy, democracy, republicanism, etc. Dr. Smith defends the view that American politics features a broad middle-class, focused on the household defending itse…

Perhaps the most notorious statement in the history of philosophy is Friedrich Nietzsche's claim that "God is Dead." In this episode of "Take Every Thought Captive," Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the death of God, the rise of unbelief, and the sources of unbelief identified by Nietzsche. Ironically, Nietzsche turns out to be a useful resou…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the sixtieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. The conversation focuses on the continuity of the Council with the prior Catholic tradition. Through this interpretive lense, a taxonomy of approaches to Catholic faith is developed. It is hoped that this disc…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith explore the idea of Christian monarchy. Smith and Bulzacchelli critique false misconceptions of Christian monarchy, and discuss some features that have made this form of government attractive to Christiians over the centuries. This discussion is an excellent opportunity f…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss Hegel's view of freedom. We cover:- Kantian freedom: freedom of rational (universal and consistent) decision making- Kantian freedom + mutual recognition- Our self-recognition is only verified by the mutual recognition of someone else- But the "other" is a problem- Freedom a…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith explore the metaphysical structure of transubstantiation. The launch point for this discussion is the treatment developed by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologiae. If you have ever wanted to gain more insight into the meaning and ontology of the Eucharist this is a…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Jason and Dr. Benjamin Smith discuss the topic of freedom. We cover:- William of Ockham and historical context- Servias Pinckaers on rivaling views of freedom- Freedom for Excellence vs Freedom of Indifference/License- Freedom and the Good- The Nature of the will- Reason and will- The role of virtue- T…

Episode 125: June 24, 2022 - Victory For Virtue by Jason GaleJason Gale

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli and canonist, Tyler Ross discuss the theological and canonical issues surrounding the ban of Nancy Pelosi from Holy Communion. We cover:- The issue- Is this excommunication?- Types of excommunications- Mortal Sin and Excommunication- Canon 915 and 916- The relationship of ethics and politics- Conditions – obstinate…

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the current debate over abortion, the Dobbs case, and the elements of the culture war. We cover:- The Dobbs Case- The reaction to the Dobbs case- The culture behind abortion- Elements of the Abortion Worldview- History and the Narrative- Lifestyle- Eschatology…

In this episode, Dr. Smith and Jason discuss the influence of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. We cover:- Hegel's place in history- Hegel's idea of history history: human experience changes- Progress: achievement, inadequacy, new stage of consciousness- Trajectory of history and Geist- Omega point of history: the fully adequate realization of conscio…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Mr. Joe Grossheim discuss the Thomist theory of human dignity, including Thomas Aquinas's controversial claim that human dignity can be lost. We also explore whether human dignity can serve as the foundation of ethics. This discussion is inspired by the recent debates surrounding Alisdair…

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss 4 modern objections to Christianity and how to combat them. We cover:- Relativism- Pluralism - Scientism- Neo-MarxismJason Gale

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss his upcoming course in philosophy covering 20th century philosophy. We cover:- The end of Idealism- Husserl and Phenomenology- Neo-Marxism- Heidegger- Existentialism- Logical Positivism- Post-modernism and moreJason Gale

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli, Dr. Smith, and Jason discuss the current crises we are experiencing in the world, the Church, and seemingly everywhere we turn. We take a 30,000 foot view of the current culture underlying the crises. We cover:- Diagnosing the problem - We cannot think rationally- Reactionary thinking- Public reasoning for public …

In episode 116, Jason and Dr. Smith welcome special guest, Joe Grossheim to discuss a classical saying, "Nature Acts for an End." We cover:- Why this is an important question- Aristotle and the Physics Book II- What is Nature?- Art and Nature- Necessity and Chance- Intelligence and chance- Nature, ends, and ethicshttps://www.newadvent.org/summa/200…

Go to: https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/shop-courses/and use code: csasoundcloud to get any course for $25! shhhhhhh...don't tell anyone!Jason Gale

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith welcome special guest, Joe Grossheim to discuss a classical saying, "Nature Acts for an End." We cover:- Why this is an important question- Aristotle and the Physics Book II- What is Nature?- Art and Nature- Necessity and Chance- Intelligence and chance- Nature, ends, and ethics…

In this episode, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss Aquinas' 4th Way to understand the existence of God. We cover:- Reading the 4th Way- The uniqueness of this argument- Gradation and degree- The metaphysical foundationThe 4th Way - "The fourth way is taken from the gradation to be found in things. Among beings there are some more and some less…

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the topic of predestination in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. We cover:Principles of Predestination- God is the cause of every perfection, including the good of order to an end (means and end)- Providence is God’s plan for the good of order - Providence presupposes the intention/ will of God- Everyt…

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the difficult but important topic of Divine Providence from the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. We cover:- Principle of Causality- First and Second Causes- Important Corollaries- What is subject to God's Providence- Providence and Evil- Does God cause Evil?- Does Providence negate Free Will?Read Summa I,…

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzaccelli discuss the role that Christians should play in the political sphere. What kinds of policies should Chrsitians support? What are the obligations of the Christian to the state? How is the political community related to the kingdom of God? These and other questions are addre…

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss lessons to be learned from the trial and death of Socrates. We cover:- Historical background- Transition to democracy from Aristocracy- The Sophists, rhetoric, and relativism- The Socratic method.- The importance of asking questions- The Trial- Philosophy helps the city- Is there a tension between politi…

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the necessity of philosophy. We cover:- Socrates "The unexamined life is not worth living."- What does philosophy do for the human person?- Ultimate questions- The big three categories- Place of Science- Where do I begin?- Do I love wisdom or do i want to be foolish?…

In this episode, Dr. Richard Bulzacchelli and Canonist, Tyler Ross discuss the liturgy as was envisioned by the documents of the Second Vatican Council. We cover:- Traditiones Custodes- Preservation of Latin and Use of Vernacular- Girl Altar boys- The placement of the altar- ad orientum and versus populum- and much more…

In this episode, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss many different aspects of death. We cover:- The ancient view of death- Life after death in ancient philosophy?- The Stoics- Greeks, Romans, and Manicheans- Energies and Pseudo-science- Christianity - Worship a God who is not part of the cosmos- Heidegger and Christianity…

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss serious issues around the youth and belief. We cover:- relation-based youth ministry and the problem that people already don't believe- is relation based ministry still possible?- Trust someone or the message? - Secular view of reality – objective and subjective approaches- Ways forward for adoles…

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith discuss freedom as the founder's intended. We cover:- The Declaration of Independence- Influence of the English Philosophers- The Monarchy- Progressives’ concept of freedom- If we are going to defend American freedom, we need to get it right!- Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness- Private prope…

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss rival points of view of happiness. We cover:- Aristotle's idea of happiness- The Stoic's view of happiness- Christianity's view of happiness- Eternal life- Happiness in Sacred Scripture- John 17:3, Proverbs 3:13-18, Col 3:1-17, Phil 3:8-11Jason Gale

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss Steve Skojec's article, Rod Dreher's response, and the issue of clericalism. We cover:- Steve Skojec's article - https://skojecfile.steveskojec.com/p/against-crippled-religion- Rod Dreher's response - https://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/catholicism-steve-skojec-has-had-enough/- Marginal…

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith talk about happiness from a philosophical perspective. We cover:- Trying to define happiness- Happiness, Actions, Ends, and Goods- An end desired for its own sake- Imperfect vs perfect ends- External goods and virtue- A desirable life#ThomasAquinas#AristotleEthics#Happiness…

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the importance of natural theology. We cover:- Natural Theology hesitancy among Christians- Defining our terms- From Effects to Causes- Common objections- "Ontotheology"- Causal relation transcends genus of effectsJason Gale